Latest News

Recent News

Rex Burkhead rushed once for 23 yards in the Bengals' Wild Card loss to the Colts, adding three receptions for 34 yards.

With A.J. Green (concussion) sidelined, Burkhead was a surprisingly-big part of the game plan, gaining 23 yards on an end around on Cincinnati's first play from scrimmage. The four touches came after Burkhead got the rock only 16 times all season. Going on 25, Burkhead is due a meager $585,000 in 2015. He'll likely remain with the Bengals. Jan 4 - 5:46 PM

With Burkhead on the shelf and BenJarvus Green-Ellis on the street, the Bengals' tailbacks are Giovani Bernard, Jeremy Hill, and Cedric Peerman. Sun, Sep 7, 2014 11:32:00 AM

Bengals RB Rex Burkhead (knee) is expected to miss the first month of the regular season.

When he returns, Burkhead will slot in as Cincinnati's No. 4 tailback and help on special teams. The Bengals will open the season with a two-man RBBC of Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. Cedric Peerman will be the top reserve. Fri, Aug 29, 2014 03:46:00 PM

Bengals RB Rex Burkhead (knee) is expected to miss the first month of the regular season.

When he returns, Burkhead will slot in as Cincinnati's No. 4 tailback and help on special teams. The Bengals will open the season with a two-man RBBC of Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. Cedric Peerman will be the top reserve.

Bengals.com speculates RB Rex Burkhead may be dealing with an MCL sprain.

Beat writer Geoff Hobson does acknowledge an MCL sprain can be a 2-8 week injury, although this would obviously be far better news than a torn ligament. Asked about Burkhead's knee this week, coach Marvin Lewis would only say it's "sore." Lewis did say Burkhead should be out of his knee brace "in a few days."

Bengals RB Rex Burkhead was spotted on crutches and in a knee brace at the team facility Monday.

Beat writer Paul Dehner believes it "doesn't look good" for Burkhead, who left Saturday night's preseason game with a knee injury and didn't return. If Burkhead's injury is major -- and early indications point to that -- BenJarvus Green-Ellis' roster spot could be safe in Cincinnati. The alternative would be to carry just Jeremy Hill and Cedric Peerman behind Giovani Bernard.

Bengals RB Rex Burkhead left Saturday night's preseason game with a knee injury.

Burkhead took a shot from big-hitting Jets rookie Calvin Pryor, and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's affair. With Jeremy Hill (shoulder) also exiting early, BenJarvus Green-Ellis' roster spot has quickly become safe. The Bengals now have only Cedric Peerman healthy behind Gio Bernard.

Burkhead appeared in only one game as a rookie, but impressed in the 2013 preseason. He's no higher than the No. 4 running back on the depth chart and doesn't have a clear path to playing time. Burkhead will likely need to beat out Cedric Peerman for a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Bengals are one of the healthiest teams in the league. They had zero players listed as questionable, doubtful, or out on the injury report. Cornerback Terence Newman (abdomen, probable) is officially active.

Burkhead is still competing for a roster spot in practice, where he'll need to show improvement on special teams. Anthony Collins will start at left tackle against the Bears, which is concerning against Julius Peppers.

The Bengals have penciled in Burkhead as a rookie special teamer, but he's more talented than BenJarvus Green-Ellis and could carve out a role as a third-down back should Gio Bernard fail to exhibit NFL-ready blitz-pickup ability. Burkhead is quick in a short area and packs some pop as a runner.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis indicated he envisions sixth-round RB Rex Burkhead as a special teamer during his first season.

Lewis believes Burkhead can "uplift special teams while competing for a spot" in the backfield. We like Burkhead as a Dynasty sleeper, but he's got a tough path to playing time behind Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Burkhead is likely competing for one or two spots with Cedric Peerman and Bernard Scott.

As Cincinnati seeks to replace Brian Leonard, rookies Burkhead and Giovani Bernard "will be competing for third-down spot," Gruden promised. Bernard Scott and Cedric Peerman will be on the roster bubble. Based on our own pre-draft tape study, we identified Burkhead as a superior pass protector, although Bernard is a more explosive receiver. It'll be a camp battle to monitor.

Burkhead (5-foot-10 1/4, 214) ran 4.73 at the Combine, but he's a better prospect than that. He's a quick short-area mover with agility and athleticism (39" vertical, 10-foot-5 broad jump). Straight-line long speed is probably the most overrated running back measurable, as evidenced by Alfred Morris' 4.72 forty. Burkhead rushed 635 times for 3,332 yards (5.25 YPC) and 30 touchdowns at Nebraska, adding 60 catches. Although he lacks explosive talent, Burkhead runs with superb vision and aggression, and can pick up a blitz. It's an excellent pick by the Bengals, who can transition away from BenJarvus Green-Ellis with rookies Gio Bernard and Burkhead.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis confirmed at the Combine that Tyler Eifert (shoulder/elbow) is on track for 2015 training camp.

Coming off elbow and shoulder surgeries, Eifert's rehab has been setback free. Although it came in a limited sample size, Eifert appeared to be a big part of OC Hue Jackson's game plan in Cincinnati's Week 1 win over Baltimore last year. Eifert will be a sleeper with low-end TE1 potential in 2015.